MidCoast Stories is more than a website, we share our history and bring local stories to life for, and with the community. Here’s just a sample:

National Trust Conservation of Objects Award – Winners 2020 

“The Forgotten Works of Pixie O’Harris and Olaf Harris”

Pixie O’Harris Exhibition opening. Photo courtesy of Julie Slavin.

2020 National Trust Heritage Award Winners

12 November 2020


Mustard Gas Men

ABC story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-10/australia-world-war-two-secret-mustard-gas-chemical-program/13034000

9 January 2021


Mudlarking in the Wallamba River

ABC story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-02/digging-for-history-mudlarking-wallamba-river/12480742

4 August 2020


Emotional Reunion 70 Years Later

ABC story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-30/two-men-reunited-nearly-70-years-after-lifesaving-rescue-manning/12292284

30 May 2020


Ian Redman’s Handprint

ABC story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-03/1950s-handprint-wingham-discovery-accident-ian-redman/12205428

3 May 2020


Mystery of Child’s Handprint

ABC story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-03/1950s-handprint-wingham-discovery-accident-ian-redman/12205428

18 April 2020


The Forgotten Works of Pixie O’Harris: The Manning Hospital Collection of paintings by Pixie and Olaf Harris Exhibition

Pixie O’Harris painting ‘Goodnight in Nurseryland’.

ABC story series:

2018 Pixie O’Harris paintings found in hospital storeroom as search continues for more missing works

2019 Discovery of missing Pixie O’Harris artwork is final piece of the puzzle

2020 The ‘forgotten works’ of Pixie O’Harris on show in Taree after being rediscovered and restored

2020 Recovered Pixie O’Harris paintings back on display after restoration

Manning River Times:

2020 The forgotten works of Pixie O’Harris are on show in Taree

2020 Pixies are arriving in Taree for the Pixie O’Harris exhibition at Manning Regional Art Gallery

23 January to 8 March 2020


National Trust Heritage Publications Award – Winners 2019

National Trust Award Winners 2019 ‘MidCoast Stories’, Penny Teerman and Janine Roberts, 2019.

National Trust Winners Announced: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/news/national-trust-heritage-awards-2019-winners-announced/

Manning River Times article: https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/6119807/heritage-award-win-a-collaborative-effort/

10 May 2019


The History of Lebanese Shopkeepers in Taree

Mon Saad, George Dan, Philip Solomon, Bruce Yarad, Janine Roberts, Peter Dahdah and John Saad.

10 May 2019


Tour of a Hidden Cemetery: St Mark’s Anglican Church and Scott’s Creek Cemetery, Mitchells Island

Heritage listed St Mark’s Anglican Church and Scott’s Creek Cemetery.

Have you discovered this hidden church and cemetery on Mitchells Island yet? Join us for a walking tour through the heritage listed St Mark’s Anglican Church, opened especially for the tour, revealing secrets held inside. Afterwards hear stories from behind the stones of the people buried in the cemetery and learn about the ‘dying’ art of stone carving and grave art. Presented in conjunction with Manning Wallambah Family History Society.

9 September 2018


Taree Hidden Heritage Hunt

Taree Hidden Heritage Hunt.

Manning River Times article: https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/5997428/learn-about-tarees-history-and-heritage-in-hunt/

13-19 April 2019


Wingham Heritage Hunt

Wingham Heritage Hunt.

Manning River Times: https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/6257423/win-prizes-in-wingham-heritage-hunt/

13-19 July 2019


Our History, Our Memories

Ken Beeton from Manning Wallambah Family History Society providing a virtual tour of Taree’s Royal Hotel, 2019.

Manning River Times: https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/6033816/a-new-collaboration-for-historical-video-series/

April 2019